A Pilates reformer is actually a tool that was created synonymously with the practice itself by Joseph Pilates. So, practicing Pilates with a reformer is how it was meant to be done back in the day! If you ever do Pilates without a reformer, it’s all inspired by moves that were classically done with one, says Blauer.

“A reformer supports your body,” Blauer says. “It can assist people that are just getting started [in their Pilates practice] to learn where [their] body should be in space and [it gives] that extra guidance.”

Reformers can also make a training session a bit more challenging for someone with more Pilates experience, says Carrie Minter, a certified Pilates instructor and founder of Carrie’s Pilates Plus in Los Angeles.

“The reformer machine works your entire body,” Minter continues. “The springs and cables on it change the tension, so you get much more of a workout than you would on just a mat.”